“I LOVE the responsibility.”
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Orange stand-in skipper James Ryan is confident of leading from the front in tomorrow’s Western Zone Premier League clash with Cowra.
The opening batsman is taking the reins of the Orange team due to the unavailability of regular skipper Matt Findlay, and vice-captain Lincoln Duncan.
At just 18, Ryan is possibly the youngest skipper Orange has ever had and despite his inexperience he is hoping to lead his team to its second victory of the season.
“I think I’ll be alright,” he explained.
“The added responsibility, I think, will make me bat better if anything, and I’ve got a few senior blokes there to bounce ideas off.”
Ryan was promoted to vice-captain of his club side, Cavaliers, at the start of this season and said he was looking to relish the opportunity tomorrow.
“I never thought I’d get an opportunity like this so early,” Ryan explained.
“Having Richie there will definitely give me some confidence, he’s got all the experience in the world. He has been helping me at club level, sometimes he’ll just say ‘the next 10 overs you’re in charge’ and leaves me to it.
“It’s a good way to learn.”
Orange is heading into the clash on the back of an embarrassing defeat to the Blue Mountains, in which it lost 9-27 on the way to a 63-run loss.
Despite the unavailability of eight regulars, Ryan is confident his team can bounce back.
“We’ve still got a good bowling attack, and if our batting clicks we could get a big score,” he said.
“We just need to value our wickets a bit more, and then work for it.”
Play between Orange and Cowra starts tomorrow at 10am, at Wade Park.
n ORANGE: James Ryan (c), Charles Litchfield, John Warrington, Matt Baker, Richie Venner, Matt Brakenridge, Max Dodds, Jake Pauletto, Dan Sandford, Ed Morrish, Chris Novak.